The job search is a great adventure. The labor market has changed radically in the last two decades, so finding work has also become a different activity from years ago. The labor sectors, digitalization, training and companies have evolved during these years, which has significantly influenced employment. To this must be added the great impact of financial crises, which have conditioned wages and the structure of employment.

In this context, engineers face the definition of their future work. The new environment changes constantly and demands great efforts. Faced with this reality, engineers can apply five useful tips, aimed at achieving greater success in the search for work:

Strategy, strategy, strategy

At the beginning of the search it is essential that the engineer designs his strategy based on clear objectives. The job search process can be compared to an engineering project. Objectives, strategy and planning will be essential in our challenge of finding a job, just like in a project. The beginning is the design of a curriculum that highlights our academic and professional career. This document will be our tool to let us know the world. Our competences, skills, knowledge and experience will be included in our curriculum. In addition, not only we will have this paper document, but we will also digitalize it in PDF format to facilitate its sending by email. We will also have a presence in professional social networks such as LinkedIn and online job portals.

Continuing education is forever

One of the main changes is training. Before, there were two stages that did not mix: first, the academic formation; Second, work. Now there are no differences. We have to be continuously training. It is important that we design a simple and realistic training itinerary that focuses on the world of work. From generalist and transversal courses that provide management knowledge and skills such as MBAs to specialization and refresher courses in the areas of engineering in which we would like to develop professionally. In this area, professional certifications are fundamental, since they are increasingly valued in the business world.

Knit a network of contacts

Contacts are essential in an interconnected world like todays. Participate in activities of professional associations, attend events in our sector and be up-to-date with the current affairs of their own specialization areas is vital. This must be accompanied by a continuous presence on the Internet, both in forums of the sector itself and in social networks, especially LinkedIn.

Always be on job boards

The information on job offers offered by professional associations is very important. It is also useful to be registered in Internet job portals. It is convenient that, as engineers, we are informed of the evolution and business news of our sector. For example, the news that an engineering company is expanding is a good piece of information to present a spontaneous and personalized application to the company.

Open the mind and do not set limits

Although we can have very defined objectives, we must be open and flexible. There may be an opportunity for professional development in another sector that we did not anticipate. For example, the insurance sector is one of the most professional profiles that can attract, far from the preconceptions that it is a purely commercial activity sector. The geographical scope is a very common barrier when looking for a job. However, currently engineering work has no borders and working on an international scale opens many doors to engineers.